(CARICOM Secretariat, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, Guyana) The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has empathised with the people of Brazil in the wake of the tragic incident on 28 January, 2013, in which more than 230 people lost their lives.

In a message following the disaster in Santa Maria, Brazil, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, CARICOM Secretary-General, said the loss of life was particularly poignant, given the relative youth of the victims.

The full text of the message reads:

“The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has learned with great sadness of the tragic loss of life in the southern Brazilian city of Santa Maria, where reports have indicated that more than 230 people have lost their lives and many more seriously injured during the early morning of 28 January 2013. While the loss of life is difficult in any circumstance, this tragedy is particularly poignant given the relative youth of the deceased and the injured, most of whom were reportedly university students.

The People of the Community empathise with the people of Brazil as they mourn the loss of life and extend heartfelt sympathy to the families and friends of those lost and injured.

The Community expresses its support and solidarity with the Government and People of Brazil as the country seeks to deal with the outcome of this disaster and its effect on national life.”